The Poster on display in Portsmouth
On Christmas eve, Police have threatened a Portsmouth shop owner with arrest for displaying a poster today.The photo montage of Pope Benedict XVI with painted lips and eyelashes, holding a dildo with the caption 'Ho Ho Homophobia', was spotted by eagle-eyed cops this morning.
The poster is a reference to the Pope's end-of-year speech to senior Vatican staff. The Pontiff stated that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behaviour was as important as protecting the environment.
Four Police officers have been sent to the Avalon shop on Fawcett road, Fratton to interview the shop owner about the colourful poster in his window.
Quoting section 4 of the Public order act ,Police informed the owner that if he failed to remove the poster and was found guilty, he could face imprisonment of up to 6 months.
Andrew, the owner of Avalon Headshop felt pressured enough to remove the A3 size poster. The twist is that Andrew is both Gay and Catholic.
However, three doors down the street a copy of the poster still remains on display in the window of a popular wholesale company. Police have now threatened to enter the premises to remove the poster themselves. Staff have politely replied to Police that it is a matter of free speech.
' The Pope has the world media to incite his views about Gays- we only have a shop window to give our views about the Pope' said a staff member.
The poster is a reference to the Pope's end-of-year speech to senior Vatican staff. The Pontiff stated that saving humanity from homosexual or transsexual behaviour was as important as protecting the environment.
Four Police officers have been sent to the Avalon shop on Fawcett road, Fratton to interview the shop owner about the colourful poster in his window.
Quoting section 4 of the Public order act ,Police informed the owner that if he failed to remove the poster and was found guilty, he could face imprisonment of up to 6 months.
Andrew, the owner of Avalon Headshop felt pressured enough to remove the A3 size poster. The twist is that Andrew is both Gay and Catholic.
However, three doors down the street a copy of the poster still remains on display in the window of a popular wholesale company. Police have now threatened to enter the premises to remove the poster themselves. Staff have politely replied to Police that it is a matter of free speech.
' The Pope has the world media to incite his views about Gays- we only have a shop window to give our views about the Pope' said a staff member.
e-mail:
Homepage:
Comments
Hide the following 8 comments
It's not a dildo ....
24.12.2008 14:51
Pedantic Pothead Pixie
Section 4 Public Order Act
24.12.2008 14:55
Public Order Act 1986
4A
Intentional harassment, alarm or distress.
— (1) A person is guilty of an offence if, with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress, he—
(b)
displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress.
PS if they turn the poster so it faces inside the shop no offence would be committed.
But where's the fun in that?
Pedantic Arsehole
Bigoted remarks
24.12.2008 15:18
We will soon need permission to breathe. If the pope makes remarks against homosexuality then it is fair game for gay people and others to take offense and make their own protest against such bigoted remarks, and I speak as a lapsed catholic (lapsed as I cannot condone such remarks, and no I am not gay)
anon
the pigs wont charge them
24.12.2008 18:46
betting man
This is exactly why many religions only attract the fearful & fakers, downloadin
24.12.2008 19:25
No wonder people in general still dont trust coppers at all, because we know you dont really work for a true democracy, we still live in a system that really just represents the rich & not many are richer than the vatican.
another lapsed catholic
This is exactly why many religions only attract the fearful & fakers, downloadin
24.12.2008 19:26
No wonder people in general still dont trust coppers at all, because we know you dont really work for a true democracy, we still live in a system that really just represents the rich & not many are richer than the vatican.
another lapsed catholic
This is a sign from God
24.12.2008 21:44
Steve
pontificating pontiff
24.12.2008 22:18
pontificating pontiff